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African guinea hens earn their keep as tick eaters, danger monitors

My mother had a thing for guinea hens. These odd-looking African birds with their beautiful gray bodies, spotted feathers and curious white turkey-like heads were the only ones in our neighborhood. Maybe Mom was way ahead of her time, because guineas are renowned tick eaters and thus a valuable protection against Lyme disease in humans and pets. These noisy birds may be the salvation of your home or homestead, too. Continue reading...

I have several antiques in my home -- some that were passed down through my family and others that I've bought through the years. I have a little bit of everything, from wooden and upholstered furniture to textiles, paintings, and items made of porcelain, glass and metal. What are some of the basic guidelines for protecting these unique and often difficult-to-replace objects? I live with them and enjoy them every day. Continue reading...

DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 2001 Subaru Forester with a manual transmission and about 210,000 miles on it. This morning I started the car, and as I loaded in some things, the car died and lurched a bit. I restarted it. It starts without a problem when the clutch is in and the shifter is in neutral. But as soon as I start to let off the clutch, the idling becomes slow, the car shakes in rhythm with the idling, and as soon as the clutch is all the way out, the car dies. The car ran fine yesterday. What are the potential culprits of this problem? What would related repairs be likely to cost? I plan to buy a new vehicle soon, and I don't know if it's worth it to get this car repaired. Thanks. Continue reading...

Happy birthday. The days will progress, and yet you will not get older. You are so strongly engaged in life that you reverse the aging process. As for your work, the rhythm changes in September and thoroughness matters most. You'll be more productive at a slower pace. In 2016, you'll be supported in ways you expect and in ways you don't. Continue reading...

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know you Christians talk a lot about being saved, but what do you think you're being saved from? The Christians I know seem to have just as many problems and failures as the rest of us. Continue reading...